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Review: Sweet Protection Shinobi RIG

Writer's picture: kelly jorgensenkelly jorgensen

The Sweet Protection Shinobi RIG sunglasses were made for getting rad outside.


First look at the Sweet Protection Shinobi RIG sunglasses and you can tell these were made for pushing for new PR's. Just by wearing them you will be able to push at least 5 more watts to your pedals. The Shinobi's have a very sporty and fast look and feel to them and when you put them on you feel like you could keep up with Keegan Swenson (If he was towing a Ford F-350 Powerstroke diesel truck behind him).


Man with a mustache wearing a beige helmet and reflective sunglasses with a green, blue, and purple tint. Background is blurred.
Sweet Protection glasses fit well with Sweet Protection Helmets

Description


From Sweet Protection: "The Shinobi sport performance sunglasses is our aggressive Premium-model with solid lens attachment for high speed activities. Poor vision shall no longer be your master. Benefitting from the same premium 2.2mm thick machine edged Toric lens from the Ronin, the Shinobi has an extremely stabile and easy-to-switch lens attachment technology. Slide back the two buttons located on each temple, squeeze in the middle of the nose bridge – change lens, and snap right back in on the go. The Shinobi provide excellent fit to all our helmets, with temples designed to minimize intrusion and maximize comfort. The purchase includes hard case, microbag and three nose pieces so you can find your perfect fit."

Man with mustache wearing a gray helmet and reflective sunglasses, dressed in a green hoodie and black vest. Concrete background.

Features


RIG® lens technology: developed by Sweet Protection to provide superior contrast, minimum color distortion and reduced eye fatigue


  • 2.2mm Toric lens with high impact resistance

  • Super oleophobic- and hydrophobic coating

  • Hard-coating on both sides of the lens for easy cleaning and durability

  • 100% UV protection

  • Easy lens change: modular construction allows for very quick and easy lens change

  • Supreme field of vision

  • TR90 Polyamid frame. Durable, fatigue resistant and lightweight

  • TPR co-molded soft and grippy inserts on the temples for extra comfort and safety

Blue and green mirrored sunglasses on a cardboard box. Reflective lenses and a sleek design create a modern, sporty look.

Fit


According to Sweet Protection the Shinobi's have a regular fit. I have a bit wider head and I do feel just the slightest amount of pressure on the sides of my head from the arms. Across the front of my face there is plenty of width and the lens area provides plenty of coverage. These glasses come with 3 different nose pieces to dial in fit, however the Shinobi's fit with the lenses a bit closer to my face than I would like. This causes them to fog a little quicker and more frequent than I would like but as long as I am moving it's a non-issue. Overall, they are comfortable enough for long rides and don't cause any pain or pressure points.

Purple sunglasses with green lenses resting on a cardboard box. The frames are translucent with black details. Background is a blurred room.

Vision


By far the best part about these glasses are the lens with Sweet Protections RIG ( Retina Illumination Grading) lens technology. They are similar to Smith's chromapop lenses, but I think these have a bit more clarity and they noticeably reduce eye fatigue. I feel like these really do change the way I see the trail and my surroundings when I am on my bike or just walking around outside in general. These lenses provide clarity and contrast while keeping color distortion to a minimum. Whatever magical wizardry is behind RIG, I am a fan.


A lens with a rainbow light spectrum on a dark background. Text reads "RIG Lens Technology" with a description of its benefits.
RIG Lens Technology

Sporty sunglasses with reflective green lenses and gray frame on white background. Sleek and modern design. No visible text.

The lenses that came with these do work in a decent variety of light conditions, however I would like to see them come with an extra low light lens.

Light conditions chart with icons for night, cloudy, partly cloudy, sunny, and bright sun. VLT: 12%, Category: S3. Text: "Compare lenses".


Woman with ponytail wearing mirrored sunglasses, black shirt with "Sweet Protection" logo. Text reads "Easy Lens Change." Black background.

Conclusion


If you are looking for a pair of shades that are good for cycling or running and want a quality lens that gives clarity, contrast and doesn't make your eyes tired while out in the sun for hours at a time then these are a solid choice. If you have a wider head there are other glasses that could work just a bit better, but for the average sized face people out there these are killer.


Pros and Cons


Pros


  • quality construction and materials

  • customizable fit

  • lens clarity and color contrast

  • lessens eye fatigue

  • lightweight



Cons


  • They fit a bit close to my face which can cause them to fog a bit easier.

  • Does not come with a low light or bonus lens.



You can find Sweet Protection products at Competitive Cyclist.

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